GSF Appoints Everton Harris as Corporate Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Golden State Foods (GSF), one of the largest diversified suppliers to the foodservice industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Everton Harris as corporate senior vice president and chief human resources officer, and the promotion of Campbell Cooper to corporate senior vice president and chief customer and strategy officer.

Based in Irvine, California, Harris joined GSF in December 2024 to serve as a strategic business partner and trusted advisor to the chief executive officer, senior executive team and board of directors...

ILA and USMX Avoid Work Stoppage with New Six-Year Contract

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) reached a tentative agreement on all items for a new six-year Master Contract on January 8, per a joint press release.

The two sides agreed to continue to operate under the current contract until the union can meet with its full Wage Scale Committee and schedule a ratification vote, and USMX members can ratify the terms of the final contract, per the joint statement.

“We are pleased to announce that ILA and USMX have reached a...

ILA and USMX Set to Resume Talks as Port Strike Threat Looms

Talks between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the union representing over 45,000 dockworkers from Maine to Texas, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are set to resume on January 7.   

ILA and the USMX reportedly met in private on January 5 as both sides try to reach an agreement over the primary automation issue that has been raised since talks last stalled in November, according to industry publication FreightWaves.

The contract between the ILA and USMX, which represents ports and ocean carriers, expires on January 15...

Maersk Advises Cargo Removal as Threat of US Port Strikes Persists

Major shipping firm Maersk has advised its customers to remove cargo from US East and Gulf Coast ports, in preparation for potential strike action by port workers in mid-January.

Negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union and the employers’ representative the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) on a new contract for port workers appear to have stalled, with the deadline of January 15, 2025, looming.

In a customer advisory statement released on December 30, Maersk said, “If no agreement is reached by [January 15], a coast-wide...

Threat of Further US Port Strikes Looms Over International Shipping

Ongoing discord between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union and the employers’ representative the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) threatens to further disrupt international freight, as the potential for renewed strike action at US ports looms ahead of a mid-January contract negotiations deadline.

Major shipping firm Maersk issued a statement on December 19  advising customers to prepare for further strike action, “It is possible that the ILA will again begin a coast-wide strike on January 16. As the January 15 deadline approaches, we recommend that customers make...

Teamsters at Sysco Houston Authorize Strike

Over 430 drivers, warehouse workers, and mechanics represented by Teamsters Local 988 have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike after Sysco failed to present an acceptable contract offer.

"Nothing our members are demanding is unreasonable," said Robert Mele, President of Local 988. "These workers want what everyone in this country deserves: fair wages, quality health care, and a secure retirement. If Sysco refuses to get serious at the bargaining table, we are ready to hold them accountable for their greed."

The Teamsters represent more than 10,000 workers at Sysco...

Import Cargo Rising as Higher Tariffs and Potential Port Strike Approach

With a strike possible again next month at East Coast and Gulf Coast container ports and President-elect Donald Trump planning to increase tariffs, the nation’s major container ports are expected to see a continued surge in imports through next spring, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Either a strike or new tariffs would be a blow to the economy and retailers are doing what they can to avoid the impact of...

NFI, Massive Industry Coalition Urge Resumption of Port Labor Talks

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI), along with a catalog of organizations from farming, agribusiness, restaurant, and other sectors, sent a letter to the leaders of the International Longshoremen’s Alliance (ILA) and the United State Maritime Alliance (USMX) calling on both sides to resume port labor talks.

Only weeks remain until a contract extension between port employers and union longshore workers expires, paving the way for another port strike at major U.S. ports along the East and Gulf coasts.

“It is imperative for the parties to resume negotiations...

ANALYSIS: Tariff-Driven Spike to Freight Rates Yet to Materialize

The re-election of US President-elect Donald Trump, on November 5, sparked speculation about the outlook for global trade, given the stringent tariff regime that he has stated he will impose. Some initial reactions expected the effects on international shipping and freight rates to be significant, with a short-term price spike resulting from US importers boosting their inventories before the tariffs come into effect. The results so far, however, have been more tepid than anticipated.

During his campaign, Trump indicated his intention...

Miss Madeline,” a New Liquid Barge from Perdue Farms, Sets Sail on a More Sustainable Supply Chain

The “Miss Madeline”, an innovative new vessel within the Perdue AgriBusiness (PAB) supply chain, was welcomed to the company’s hometown today after completing its maiden voyage. In addition to being a milestone in Perdue Farms’ 104-year-old commitment to sustainability, the barge is named in honor of Madeline Perdue and her legacy as the beloved matriarch of the Perdue family.

The “Miss Madeline” reflects PAB’s ongoing efforts to improve supply chain efficiencies and revolutionize freight transportation by reducing greenhouse...

Delays Expected at Brazilian Ports Due to Indefinite Strike Starting November 26

Federal Revenue auditors in Brazil voted to maintain slowdowns at customs and begin an indefinite strike starting November 26. This decision was made during the National Assembly of the Brazilian National Union of Federal Revenue Auditors on 21 November, following the Ministry of Management and Innovation's (MGI) refusal to negotiate adjustments to salaries.

The strike intensifies movements that began in July, with auditors demanding salary adjustments and urging the government to open negotiations.

Recent talks with the MGI's Labour Relations Secretariat...

US Foods Reports Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2024 Earnings

US Foods Holding Corp., one of the largest foodservice distributors in the United States, today announced results for the third quarter fiscal year 2024.

Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2024 Highlights

• Net sales increased 6.8% to $9.7 billion
• Total case volume increased 3.8%; independent restaurant case volume increased 4.1%
• Gross profit increased 8.1% to $1.7 billion
• Net income was $148 million
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 13.2% to $455 million
• Diluted EPS increased 60.5% to $0.61; Adjusted Diluted EPS increased 21.4% to $0.85...

Lineage, Inc. Reports Third-Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Lineage, Inc., the world’s largest global temperature-controlled warehouse REIT, today announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2024.

Third-Quarter 2024 Highlights

• Raised $5.1 billion in gross proceeds from the Company's July 2024 IPO, marking the largest IPO of the year and largest real estate IPO of all-time
• Total revenue increased 0.5% to $1.3 billion
• Net loss of ($543) million, or ($2.44) per diluted common share
• Total NOI increased 2.1% to $439 million
• Adjusted EBITDA increased...

Cooking at Home Increases Demand for Refrigerated Transportation

As more consumers pack their grocery carts with fall staples like apples, changing consumer habits around meals and economic pressures are increasing the need for refrigerated shipping. In fact, consumer demand for refrigerated products has continually increased since 2020.

According to the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) and its data platform Unify/IRI, refrigeration sales have increased by 32% over the past five years, and nearly 64% of adults say they save money or control their budget by eating at home...

Performance Food Group Company Completes the Acquisition of Cheney Bros, Inc.

Performance Food Group Company (PFG) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Cheney Bros., Inc. (“Cheney Brothers”), a leading independent broadline foodservice distributor based in Riviera Beach, Florida. The acquisition creates a stronger presence in the Southeast region and provides additional distribution capacity. Cheney Brothers generates approximately $3.2 billion in annual revenue. The company has approximately 3,600 employees and operates five distribution centers in Florida and North Carolina. PFG continues to expect to generate approximately $50 million...

US Foods 2024 Diner Dispatch Survey Uncovers Surprising Shifts in Diner Preferences

US Foods Holding Corp– one of America’s leading foodservice distributors – today released the results of its 2024 Diner Dispatch survey, which showcases the state of America’s relationship with dining out. Year-over-year data highlights key takeaways that can help operators make informed business decisions to help meet or exceed diner expectations. These include dine-in vs. take-out preferences, spend thresholds, and other key experiential preferences such as favorite restaurant types, wait times and the use of QR code menus...

ILA Dockworkers to Return to Work as Port Strike Ends Following Tentative Agreement

Dockworkers from the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) returned to work on Friday after reaching a tentative wage agreement with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) Thursday, bringing an end to the three-day strike that halted shipping operations along the East and Gulf Coasts.

"Effective immediately, all current job actions will cease, and all work covered by the Master Contract will resume,” according to a joint statement issued by both parties Thursday. The Master Contract will be extended until January 15, 2025, giving negotiators additional...

Live Updates: Key Developments in the East and Gulf Coast Port Strike

October 3: The port strike has entered its third day and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) signaled that they are willing to resume negotiations with the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), but without preconditions made by the union. 

In an update provided Wednesday, USMX stated: "Reaching an agreement will require negotiating – and our full focus is on how to return to the table to further discuss these vital components, many of which are intertwined. We cannot agree to preconditions...